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JULY Birthstone |
RUBY |
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Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the
accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.
Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty.
Derived from the Latin word "ruber", it simply means red. Ruby, like
sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a true red in color.
The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint
undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies which are considered the
finest.
The highest quality rubies are said to protect their owners from all kinds
of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with
his neighbors. It would protect his stature in life, his home and land. Its
protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left
side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burned eternally.
As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies are heated
to permanently improve their color and appearance.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and
sharp blows.
The finest rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there
since ancient times. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam,
Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
Natural Gemstones
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